Will Platform Sharing Between Automakers Lead To More Generic Vehicles?

Cooperation and borrowing between auto manufacturers is nothing new, and it isn’t always a bad thing. For example, look what happened in the 1980s when Lincoln borrowed a BMW inline-six turbodiesel for its Continental Mark VII luxury coupe. Oh, maybe that’s not the best example. But two events this week have led to a couple of new examples for us to ponder.

How do you think these cooperative automotive projects will fare?

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CANADIANCOMMENTS - 1/16/2019 10:23:29 AM

+1 Boost

The fault here is entirely Toyota's. If you are going to platform share, you need to put in a much bigger effort to distinguish your offering. This venture was a waste of time and the BMW in-line 6 could have been dropped into the RCF and with some sheet metal changes / re-styling you could of had a much better car and a more pure Toyota offering.

PUGPROUD - 1/16/2019 12:32:17 PM

0 Boost

Duh. When the hard points are determined by one manufacturer the other one is locked in and commonality is assured. Z4 and Supra for example. The Audi and Bentley big SUVs another.

valhallakey - 1/16/2019 12:53:32 PM

+3 Boost

As it currently sits and especially with the Supra/Z4 situation @PUGPROUD is exactly right. However I think it is hard to say where this could be going. Some of the platforms are now pretty flexible such as the VW MBQ platform in which you can change the wheelbase and I believe change width etc... If the manufacturers continue to evolve these "platforms" to allow even further flexibility such as engine placement options (ex: front, front mid) and maybe even moveable hard points is could in fact do the opposite and allow more unique flavors.

dlin - 1/16/2019 12:55:08 PM

+2 Boost

No. It's great for customers to have more choices, particularly when both cars can go under 7:55 in Nurburgring.

PUGPROUD - 1/16/2019 4:31:44 PM

0 Boost

Maybe so but you still have to look at them. The proportions just don't look right to my eyes.

dlin - 1/16/2019 5:43:09 PM

+2 Boost

Hard to make FR 2-seater looks good... just look at Chrysler Crossfire and Z4 coupe

MDarringer - 1/17/2019 8:25:45 AM

+1 Boost

It's simple to make an F/R 2 seater look good. There are numerous examples. The Corvette is quite commanding. Of course, I'm partial to it and the stunning TVR Sagaris.

dlin - 1/17/2019 6:02:48 PM

+1 Boost

Not TVR, but I do agree Corvette is a fine example. And I think Supra should've used sharper contours than rounded.

MDarringer - 1/17/2019 7:24:04 PM

+1 Boost

The Tuscan and Sagaris are stunning to look at.

MDarringer - 1/16/2019 9:31:31 PM

0 Boost

Platform sharing doesn't have to be generic. I don't like the Q7 or the Cayenne that much but they are not generic.

mini22 - 1/20/2019 4:56:02 PM

+1 Boost

As far as the Supra is concerned it certainly looks different enough on the outside that you could safely say its not from a BMW Z4. Another example if the Mazda Miata and Fiat 124 Spider. If the 124 had a different interior you would never know it came from the Mazda. So it is clearly possible to differentiate vehicles on the same platform if you are creative. The Toyobaru twins clearly show how NOT to do it.